James Van Der Beek pens emotional note to his father for 'life-saving' support amid cancer battle
AUSTIN, TEXAS: James Van Der Beek is showing gratitude for his father, former baseball player James William Van Der Beek, for his “life-affirming” help during his difficult cancer battle.
The 47-year-old actor took to his Instagram on Saturday, January 25, to pen a heartfelt message dedicated to his father on the occasion of his birthday where he reflected on his “life-saving” support.
Taking to his Instagram, the actor posted the emotional message while thanking his father for how he “moved through everything cancer brings up," as reported by Daily Mail.
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James Van Der Beek pens heartfelt post for his father
On Saturday, the ‘Dawson’s Creek’ alum dedicated the note to his father penning, “The way you have shown up when I've been down and out this year — without having to ask, without the expectation of even a thank you... has not just been life-saving, but life-affirming.”
The actor continued, “Moving onto the ranch for when I'm away for treatment,” before elaborating, “Making lunches, making fires for @vanderkimberly, driving kids, even taking care of the dogs and chicken.”
“Neither of which you ever wanted and would just as soon never had,” the actor added poignantly before revealing that he is "blown away" by how his father has been there for him emotionally as he “moved through everything cancer brings up.”
Van Der Beek continued, reflecting on the situation, “I know it's outside your comfort zone, but especially since Mom died, you have come through for me again and again and again in ways that I didn't even know how much I needed.”
“Watching you evolve, seeing what kind of man and father you are... gives me more confidence in myself than I could ever express,” he added, before declaring, “I feel so proud and lucky to have come from you.”
Gratified, the actor added, “Thank you for being the best. Ever. Period.”
He concluded the post by hilariously adding, “And I will keep my promise that we won't ever ask you to change Jeremiah's diapers," and signed off, writing, "I love you, Dad."
Two-year-old Jeremiah is the youngest child of the actor with his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek. Apart from Jeremiah, the long-time couple is also parents to their other five children - daughters Olivia, 14, Annabel, 10, Emilia, eight, Gwendolyn, six, and son Joshua, 12.
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Along with his emotional post, James Van Der Beek also shared a series of photos including one of the elder Van Der Beek posing with his many grandchildren. In another snapshot, his father posed with his daughter-in-law Kimberly.
James Van Der Beek revealed he has stage 3 colorectal cancer
Van Der Beek’s emotional post for his father came two months after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer back in August 2023.
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The actor shared in November 2024, “I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”
“There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good,” shared ‘The Real Full Monty’ star.
